Duke's original NBA center — the first in a long line of Mike Krzyzewski's big men to make the professional leap, a reliable starter across 14 seasons.
Michael Thomas Gminski was born in Monroe, Connecticut in 1959. He attended Duke University and was one of the ACC's finest players before New Jersey Nets selected him seventh overall in the 1980 NBA Draft. His 14-season career produced 10.8 points and 6.8 rebounds per game across five franchises. He was named to the All-Rookie Team. He provided consistent professional production — never spectacular but always reliable — across an era when Duke players were not yet considered automatic professional prospects. His career predated Mike Krzyzewski's transformation of the Duke programme and the pipeline of NBA-ready players that followed. He averaged 15.8 points and 9.0 rebounds per game in his finest Philadelphia 76ers seasons. He became a broadcaster after his career. His 14-season professional longevity reflects the quality that coaches valued throughout the transition from the New Jersey Nets' early years through the Charlotte Hornets expansion era. He is the original successful Duke-to-NBA center in the modern era.
Solid center play and consistent scoring throughout 14 NBA seasons
How They Played
Traditional center with good shooting touch and fundamentally sound post play
Lasting Impact
Reliable big man who had a long NBA career after stellar college career at Duke
All-Rookie Team 1981
Career Honours
- All-Rookie Team 1981
- 14 NBA seasons
- Duke ACC Player of the Year